The 12 Roadblocks

1. Ordering, commanding, directing.

“Don’t tell me you’re tired, just do as you’re told”

Implied meaning: The student’s needs are not as important as the teacher’s instructions, can result in resistance.

2. Warning, threatening.

“Finish your work now or else”

Implied meaning: The teacher does not respect the student, may induce fear.

3. Moralizing, preaching, giving "shoulds" and "oughts".

“You should do the right thing and tell the headmaster”

Implied meaning: The teacher believes the student’s own values and judgements are not worthwhile.

4. Advising, offering solutions or suggestions.

“Why don’t you …”

Implied Meaning: The teacher does not trust the student’s ability to solve their own problem. May cause frustration, or dependence on others to solve problems.

5. Teaching, lecturing, giving logical arguments.

Note: This kind of communication is acceptable during effective teacher/learning time when there is no problem (see model).

Effect when student is experiencing a problem: student feels inferior, and defensive.

6. Judging, criticizing, disagreeing, blaming.

Can have prolonged negative effect on student’s self concept.

Likely to result in expressions of disrespect towards the teacher.

7. Praising, agreeing, giving positive evaluations

“You are very clever, I’m sure you’ll work it out”

If student disagrees with praise it may be interpreted as manipulation.

Can be embarrassing when given publicly.

If given frequently, absence of praise may be interpreted as negative judgement.

8. Name-calling, stereotyping, ridiculing.

Can devastate student’s self image.

Likely to cause student to judge the teacher negatively.

9. Interpreting, analysing, diagnosing.

“You are just seeking attention”

“You’re doing that because…”

Implied meaning: The teacher can read the student’s mind. Most often analysis is incorrect. Can make student’s feel vulnerable.

10. Reassuring, sympathizing, consoling, supporting.

May seem helpful but imply the student is exaggerating, or that their problem is minor.

Convey that the teacher wants the student to stop feeling the way they do.

 11. Questioning, probing, interrogating, cross-examining.

“Are you having problems at home?”

These questions act to limit the student’s response to the question being asked.

Implied meaning: “I plan to solve this problem for you, you cannot do it yourself”

12. Withdrawing, distracting, being sarcastic, humouring, diverting.

Communicates disrespect for the student’s feelings.

The problem will persist if the student does not get help elsewhere.